3. Permalinks.

10/05/2009

This article explains what a permalink is and how best to use it.

A permalink is a fixed URL, of your choosing, that does not change.

Permalinks are beneficial because instead of having to remember a long complicated URL that contains your user ID number and the entry number (as in the previous version of Bloop), you just need to remember the diary name and/or entry title in the permalink.

There are two kinds of permalinks found on Bloop: one for your frontpage and one for each of your entries.

To change your frontpage permalink, go to Manage my diary and then Change permalink. Bloop will have already assigned you a permalink, based on your login name; if you are happy with it, you can leave it. If you want to change it, just type the new permalink in the box, and hit 'Change'. Make sure it is something that uniquely identifies you and somewhat resembles your signature, and not something very general and broad (e.g. 'mydiary').

To create an entry permalink for an existing entry, go to that entry and click 'edit this entry'. At the bottom of the screen, you'll see a URL ending in a /, and a textbox next to it with some text in it. This text is the default permalink assigned by Bloop when you last published the entry. You may leave it, or change it by deleting the existing text and filling in your own text.

To create an entry permalink for a new entry, go to 'new entry'. The box along the bottom will have the URL ending in a /, but the textbox next to it will be blank. Simply fill in the permalink you want.

WARNING: In permalinks, please only use letters, numbers and basic characters (- or _). Other characters (for example, " or ? or * or ~) will be converted to dashes. Some characters, such as / or \, will interfere with the permalink. If your entry title or diary name contains a / or \, just remove it. If you can't remove it, raise a ticket, and the support team will help you.

If you have a query or a problem with your diary, please do not message or comment this diary. Instead, use the 'support' link at the top of the page.